James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, sends her apologies as she cannot be here. I will give the response on the Minister's behalf. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it gives me the opportunity to provide an update to the House on the current position and understanding regarding the recently announced closure of Newpark Academy of Music.

Newpark Academy of Music is a private academy located in Melfield House, a 200-year-old building on the grounds of Newpark Comprehensive School in Blackrock, County Dublin. The building has hosted the academy since 1979. While the academy uses the building on this property, which is in the ownership of the Minister for Education, the academy itself does not fall under the remit of her Department.

The Department of Education was recently made aware of the decision by the board of the academy to cease operations. The Department's understanding is that this decision was made based on operational and financial concerns on the part of the academy. The Department was not involved in the decision to close Newpark music school. It is a stated policy of the Department of Education to encourage and support the use of school facilities for wider community and recreational uses, where appropriate. It should be underlined, however, that the primary role of the Department of Education is to cater for and deliver primary and post-primary educational needs in any locality. It is important to recognise the distinction in relation to the privately owned academy.

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